RESUMO Obesidade leva ao acúmulo de gordura e disfunção do tecido adiposo. Compostos ativos foram descritos no óleo-resina de copaíba, que apresenta efeitos anti-inflamatórios, antimicrobiais e antioxidantes. Contudo, não há dados sobre os efeitos do óleo-resina de copaíba sobre o tecido adiposo. Assim, testamos a hipótese de que o óleo-resina de copaíba pode prevenir ou minimizar a obesidade, e inflamação e estresse oxidativo no tecido adiposo em resposta à dieta rica em sacarose. Ratos Wistar machos foram casualmente divididos para receber dieta padrão (C, n = 8), dieta padrão e 30% de sacarose na água de beber (S, n = 8), e dieta padrão e 30% de sacarose na água de beber + óleo-resina de copaíba (S+CO, n = 8). O óleo-resina de copaíba foi administrado via gavagem (200 mg kg-1 dia-1), por oito semanas. Animais dos grupos não suplementados (C e S) receberam veículo via gavagem, em volume equivalente ao oferecido ao grupo S+CO. Ao final do experimento, amostras de sangue e tecido adiposo epididimal foram coletadas para análises bioquímicas, inflamatórias e de estresse oxidativo. A suplementação com óleo-resina preveniu ganho de peso, adiposidade, resistência à insulina e aumento de IL-1β, inibiu parcialmente o aumento nos níveis de glicemia de jejum, lipídeos e níveis de IL-6 no tecido adiposo, além de melhorar o sistema de defesa antioxidante no tecido. Nossos resultados sugerem que o óleo-resina de copaíba pode ser usado como uma boa estratégia para a prevenção da obesidade e suas complicações.

ABSTRACT Obesogenic diets lead to fat accumulation and dysfunctional adipose tissue. Active compounds were described in copaiba oleoresin, which presents anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. However, there are no data regarding the effects of copaiba oleoresin in adipose tissue. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that the copaiba oleoresin could prevent or minimize obesity and adipose tissue inflammation and oxidative stress in response to a high sucrose diet. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to receiving commercial chow (C, n = 8), commercial chow and 30% sucrose added to the drinking water (S, n = 8), or commercial chow and 30% sucrose added to the drinking water + copaiba oleoresin (S+CO, n = 8). Copaiba oleoresin was given at a dose of 200 mg kg-1 day-1 by gavage for eight weeks. C and S animals received vehicle, at equivalent volume, by gavage. At the end of the experiment, blood samples and epididymal adipose tissue were collected for biochemical, inflammatory, and oxidative stress analyses. Copaiba oleoresin supplementation prevented weight gain, adiposity, insulin resistance, and increased IL-1β levels. Additionally, copaiba oleoresin partially attenuated the increase in fasting glucose levels, lipids, and IL-6 levels, and improved the redox status in adipose tissue. Our results suggest that the use of copaiba oleoresin could be a good strategy for prevention of obesity and its complications.

THE POISONOUS GARDEN: THE CHEMISTRY BEHIND THE INTOXICATION BY DOMESTIC ORNAMENTAL PLANTS. In times of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the fact families have spent more time together, the job demands and commitments that adults have now brought into their homes may mean their attention has been taken away from their children. This, combined with the absence of older family members or domestic helpers that assist in looking after the children has left them potentially more exposed to domestic accidents. Data from the National Toxic-Pharmacological Information System indicate that two-thirds of domestic intoxications with plants (usually the ornamental ones) occur in children. These accidents can be caused either by inhalation, contact with the skin, eyes and mucous membranes, as well as by ingestion. The toxicity of ornamental plants is due to the presence of substances such as oxalic acid and its highly irritating salts, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, and toxic terpenes, among several other classes of secondary metabolites. In the present study, we carried out a survey of the main ornamental plants used in the country and analyzed the toxic substances that can cause numerous conditions from dermatitis in milder cases to death in more severe cases.

The use of eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors in metallurgical processing has increased interest due to the reduced environmental impact. Hence, the inhibitory effect of Aniba canelilla (Lauraceae) extract was studied in the corrosion of carbon steel in 1.0 mol∙L-1 hydrochloric acid solution. This acid is used during the surface treatment of steel processing. The carbon steel protection was observed by varying the extract concentration from 50 to 300 mg∙L-1. Polarization curves revealed that this extract acted as an adsorption inhibitor decreasing both anodic and cathodic current densities. A relatively high inhibition corrosion efficiency, close to 97%, was obtained with plant stem extracts by gravimetric measurements. Weight loss measurements showed that the extract remains active for at least 72 hours at room temperature. The adsorption process of this extract is properly represented by the Langmuir isotherm. Atomic force microscopy shows that inhibited acid medium produces a smooth surface.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar histologicamente e macroscopicamente a influência do óleo-resina de Copaifera multijuga no processo de cicatrização de feridas cutâneas, comparando com o grupo submetido ao uso da nitrofurazona. Métodos: foram utilizados 36 ratos, divididos em três grupos de 12 animais, conforme o tratamento a ser administrado. Grupo SF (controle, recebeu soro fisiológico sobre a lesão), Grupo ÓLEO (tratamento tópico com óleo de Copaíba), Grupo NITRO (tratamento tópico com Nitrofurazona). Foi confeccionada uma ferida circular de 8mm de diâmetro no dorso de cada animal. Cada um dos três grupos de 12 animais foi subdividido em três subgrupos, de acordo com o tempo de tratamento e de eutanásia (7, 14 e 21 dias). Todos os animais receberam o tratamento proposto diariamente. As lesões foram fotografadas para mensuração de sua área, bem como, avaliados aspectos macroscópicos. As cicatrizes foram ressecadas e coradas, para quantificar e qualificar as fibras elásticas, colágenas, grau de epitelização, neovascularização e inflamação. Resultados: embora o soro fisiológico tenha proporcionado um fechamento mais rápido da ferida em sua fase inicial, a partir de 14 dias o tamanho das feridas dos três grupos testados se equivaleu. Níveis de inflamação e neovascularização foram semelhantes nos três grupos. A quantidade de fibras colágenas e elásticas foi maior nos grupos Nitrofurazona e Óleo de Copaíba. Conclusão: em ratos machos da linhagem Wistar, o óleo-resina de Copaifera multijuga influencia positivamente no processo de cicatrização, porém é menos eficaz que a nitrofurazona na cicatrização por segunda intenção.

ABSTRACT Objectives: to evaluate, histologically and macroscopically, the influence of Copaifera multijuga (Copaíba) oil-resin on the healing process of cutaneous wounds, comparing it with nitrofurazone. Methods: we divided 36 rats into three groups of 12 animals, according to the treatment to be administered. Group SL (control) received saline on the lesion; the Group OIL received topical treatment with Copaíba oil; and the Group NITRO was treated with Nitrofurazone. We inflicted a circular wound of 8mm in diameter on the back of each animal. We subdivided each of the three groups of 12 animals into three subgroups, according to treatment time and euthanasia (7, 14 and 21 days). All animals received the proposed treatment daily. We photographed the lesions for area measurement, as well as for evaluation of macroscopic aspects. We resected and stained the scars to quantify and qualify elastic fibers, collagen, degree of epithelization, neovascularization and inflammation. Results: although the saline solution provided a faster wound closure in its initial phase, after 14 days the wound size of the three groups tested was the same. Levels of inflammation and neovascularization were similar in all three groups. The amount of collagen and elastic fibers was higher in the Nitrofurazone and Copaíba oil groups. Conclusion: in male Wistar rats, Copaifera multijuga oil-resin positively influences the healing process, but it is less effective than nitrofurazone in healing by secondary intention.

The inhibitory effect of Bauhinia purpurea (Fabaceae) extract was studied in the corrosion of carbon steel in 1.0 mol∙L-1 sulfuric acid solution. This plant was collected from the Brazilian rainforest. The carbon steel protection was observed by varying the extract concentration from 50 to 500 mg∙L-1. Polarization curves revealed that this extract acted as an adsorption inhibitor decreasing both anodic and cathodic density currents. Weight loss measurements showed that the extract remains stable for at least 72 hours. The adsorption process of this extract obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Lastly, Arrhenius plot suggested the physical adsorption of the extract.

Bauhinia purpurea (Fabaceae). Plants of the Bauhinia species (Fabaceae) are used in the treatment of several infections and diseases, especially diabetes. In this paper, with an aim to contribute to the knowledge of the chemistry and therapeutic potential of the Amazonian species of the genus Bauhinia, flavonoid profiles in the leaves and branches of Bauhinia purpurea collected in Manaus and São Gabriel da Cachoeira/AM were analyzed by HPLC-DAD and ESIMS. Differences in the flavonoid profiles were detected along with the presence of rutin and isoquercitrin in the leaves collected in Manaus. All samples showed antioxidant activity, however, no cytotoxic activity against cell lines MDA-MB435 (breast), HCT-8 (colon), and SF-295 (glioblastoma) could be detected.

Os óleos essenciais das folhas e galhos de Sextonia rubra foram obtidos por hidrodestilação e analisados por cromatografia em fase gasosa com detectores de ionização de chama e espectrometria de massas. O α-pineno (21,7%), β-pineno (15,4%), α-copaeno (12,5%) e o germacreno D (12,1%) foram identificados como constituintes majoritários no óleo essencial das folhas. No óleo essencial dos galhos foram identificados como constituintes majoritários o α-copaeno (22,9%), β-selineno (7,9%) e o β-elemeno (7,2%). A composição química destes óleos essenciais está sendo relatada pela primeira vez neste trabalho.

The essential oils of the leaves and branches of Sextonia rubra were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. In the leaves were identified as the major constituents α-pinene (21.7%), β-pinene (15.4%), α-copaene (12.5%) and germacrene D (12.1%). In the branches essential oil, α-copaene (22.9%), β-selinene (7.9%) and β-elemene (7.2%) were identified as the most abundant constituents. This paper describes for the first time the composition of these essential oils.

Fresh water sponge was used as a silica source for the synthesis of MCM-41 via the hydrothermal process. The silica was extracted from the sponge by washing with nitric acid and piranha solution. Synthesis of MCM-41 was performed at 100 °C for 5 days and the procedure was optimized, with modifications made to the leaching temperature of the silica and the synthesis of mesoporous material, which was characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM and adsorption of N2. The optimal result was achieved at a temperature of 135 °C for 3 days, showing ordered mesoporous material with a surface area of 1080 m² g-1.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar o óleo-resina da copaíba (Copaifera reticulata) e estimar, por meio de marcadores microssatélites, a variabilidade genética da espécie na Floresta Nacional do Tapajós, PA. A amostragem foi realizada em duas áreas, distanciadas de 5 km, em 136 árvores. A diversidade genética foi avaliada com seis marcadores microssatélites derivados de C. langsdorffii, e o óleo obtido de 30 árvores (15 de cada área) foi caracterizado em termos físicos e químicos. O óleo C. reticulata apresenta aspecto líquido, fino, odor fraco e de coloração amarelo-dourada (73,3% das plantas), com viscosidade muito variável (18 a 187 Pa-s) e densidade média de 0,975±0,049 g cm-3. O índice de acidez variou de 9,62 a 10,17 mg g-1 de KOH e o de saponificação de 100,63 a 109,84 mg g-1. A análise molecular identificou 78 alelos, com média de 13 por loco. A heterozigosidade esperada variou 0,59 a 0,85 (média de 0,75), com nível de endogamia de 0,375 a 0,419. Houve pouca diferenciação genética entre as populações das diferentes áreas de coleta (F ST = 0,030), mas a variabilidade foi maior entre os grupos genéticos detectados pelo programa Structure (F ST = 0,070). Essa maior variabilidade indica que não há ameaças à conservação genética da copaíba, em médio prazo.

The objective of this work was to characterize the oleoresin of copaiba (Copaifera reticulata) and to estimate genetic variability of the species in the Tapajós National Forest, PA, Brazil, using microsatellite markers. Sampling was performed in two areas, 5 km apart, in 136 trees. Genetic diversity was evaluated with six microsatellite markers derived from C. langsdorffii, and the oleoresin obtained from 30 trees (15 from each area) was physically and chemically characterized. Oleoresin from C. reticulate has a liquid, thin aspect, with a weak odor and yellowish-gilded color (73.3% of the plants), highly variable viscosity (18 to 187 Pa-s), and mean density of 0,975±0,049 g cm-3. Its acidity index varied from 9.62 to 10.17 mg g-1 of KOH and the saponification index from 100.63 to 109.84 mg g-1. The molecular analysis identified 78 alleles, with an average of 13 per locus. The expected heterozygosity varied from 0.59 to 0.85 (mean of 0.75) and the inbreeding level, from 0.375 to 0.419. The genetic differentiation between populations in the different sampling areas was low (F ST = 0.030), but the variability was higher between the genetic groups detected by Structure software (F ST = 0.070). This higher variability indicates that the genetic diversity of copaiba is not threatened in the mid-term.

Lauraceae é uma das famílias mais importantes na floresta amazônica. Diversas de suas espécies apresentam em sua composição substâncias com pronunciadas atividades biológicas. Nesse trabalho, os extratos obtidos em etanol de galhos e folhas de 20 espécies de Lauraceae foram coletados na Reserva Florestal Ducke e avaliados quant o às atividades antioxidante frente ao radical livre 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazila(DPPH) e inibidora da enzima acetilcolinesterase. O extrato dos galhos de Licaria martinianal apresentou a maior capacidade de sequestro do radical DPPH (6,96 µg.mL-1),mas os extratos de Ocotea iminor foram os mais ativos na inibição da enzima acetilcolinesterase, apresentando também pronunciada atividade antioxidante. O perfil de atividade antioxidante e anticolinesterásico destes extratos está sendo relatado pela primeira vez neste trabalho.

Lauraceae is one of the most important families in the Amazon rainforest. Several substances with strong pharmacological properties have been isolated from the species of this family. In this study, ethanol extracts of branches and leaves of 20 Lauracea especies were collected in the Reserva Florestal Ducke and evaluated for antioxidant activity of extracts using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. The branches extracts from Licaria martinianal showed the highest capacity to scavenge the DPPH radical (6.96 µgmL-1), but Ocotea iminor extracts were the most active in inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, with also pronounced antioxidant activity. The antioxidant and acetylcholinesterasic activities profile of these extracts is being reported in the first time in this paper.

Substances that inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis could potentially be used as antibiotics. These substances could also be added to test culture media to improve the speed of tuberculosis diagnosis. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of culture filtrates of endophytic fungi isolated from P. aduncum L. on the growth of M. tuberculosis. To achieve this objective, the following methodology was used: a) endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves and stems of P. aduncum L.; b) the isolated fungi were submitted to submerged bioprocessing; c) culture filtrates from the bioprocess were assayed to evaluate their effect on the growth of M. tuberculosis. We isolated 315 fungal types, which represented 85 morphologies, from different parts of P. aduncum L. The bioassays were performed on 82 culture filtrates and 6 plant extracts and resulted in the detection of 1 culture filtrate that stimulated the growth of M. tuberculosis and 15 that inhibited microbial growth. None of the phytochemical extracts had an effect on the growth of M. tuberculosis. In conclusion, we observed that the endophytic fungi isolated from P. aduncum L. (Piperaceae) produced extracellular metabolites (present in the culture filtrate) that affect the growth of M. tuberculosis. These compounds have the potential to be used as antimicrobials or in the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Os óleos essenciais das folhas e caules de Rhodostemonodaphne parvifolia coletada na Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke foram obtidos por hidrodestilação e analisados por cromatografia em fase gasosa com detector de ionização de chama e espectrometria de massas. Treze constituintes foram identificados nas folhas, dos quais o ß-cariofileno foi o que apresentou maior percentual (41,30%). Nos caules foram identificados quinze compostos, com predominância dos sesquiterpenos ß-cariofileno (16,20%) e epi-cedrol (13,30%) e do monoterpeno linalol (15,40%). Os óleos foram analisados em ensaios químicos, de sequestro do radical livre DPPH, e enzimáticos, de inibição da enzima acetilcolinesterase. Nos ensaios de sequestro de radicais livres, apesar de terem se mostrado ativos em ensaios qualitativos, os óleos essenciais apresentaram fraca atividade antioxidante no ensaio quantitativo (inativos em concentração inferior a 1.000 µg/mL). A inibição da acetilcolinesterase só foi observada nos óleos essenciais das folhas. A composição química e a atividade biológica destes óleos estão sendo relatadas pela primeira vez neste trabalho.

The essential oils of leaves and stems of Rhodostemonodaphne parvifolia collected in the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Thirteen components were identified in the leaf oil, of which ß-caryophyllene was the major (41.30%). Fifty components were identified in the stem oil, among them the sesquiterpenes ß-caryophyllene (16.20%) and epi-cedrol (13.30%), together with the monoterpene linalool (15.40%). The essential oils were analyzed at chemical, DPPH free radical scavenging; and enzymatic bioassays, acetylcholinesterase inhibition. At antioxidant DPPH assays, the oils showed to be active at the qualitative assay but only weakly active at quantitative test (inactive at concentration lower than 1,000 µg/mL). The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase was detected only in leaves essential oils. This paper describes for the first time the composition of these essential oils and their biological activities.

Um dos materiais utilizados para a adequação do meio bucal no serviço público é o cimento produzido a partir de óxido de zinco e eugenol. Entretanto, o eugenol é uma substância citotóxica que pode desencadear alguns efeitos adversos. Por essa razão, procura-se substituir o eugenol por uma substância que apresente baixa toxicidade, mantendo ou mesmo melhorando as propriedades do cimento. O óleo-resina de copaíba é um produto natural, utilizado pelas populações amazônicas e reconhecido por suas propriedades medicinais. Baseando-se nas propriedades desse óleo-resina, na ação antimicrobiana comprovada do hidróxido de cálcio e na ação anti-séptica do óxido de zinco, propôs-se formular um cimento odontológico obtido da associação do ZnO, Ca(OH)2 e óleo-resina de Copaifera multijuga Hayne e avaliar sua atividade antibacteriana através do teste de diluição em meio líquido frente às cepas padrão de Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) e S. sanguinis (ATCC 15300). Nesse ensaio, utilizaram-se os seguintes grupos experimentais: o cimento contendo ZnO, Ca(OH)2 e óleo-resina de copaíba (G1) e cada um dos constituintes isoladamente, ZnO (G2), Ca(OH)2 (G3) e óleo-resina de copaíba (G4). Todos os grupos analisados demonstraram atividade antibacteriana, o G4 apresentou os melhores resultados e o G1 mostrou-se um cimento promissor a ser utilizado em odontologia.

One of the materials utilized for suitability of the oral means in the public service is the cement produced from zinc oxide and eugenol. However, eugenol is a cytotoxic substance that can trigger some adverse effects. For this reason, it is desired to replace eugenol for another substance that presents low toxicity, keeping or even improving the cement properties. The copaiba oil-resin is a natural product, utilized by the Amazonian population and recognized for its medicinal properties. Based on the properties of this oil-resin, on the proven antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide and on the anti-septic action of zinc oxide, it was proposed to formulate a dental cement obtained through the association of ZnO, Ca(OH)2 and Copaifera multijuga Hayne oil-resin and assess its antibacterial activity through the test of dilution in aqueous medium against the standard of Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) and S. sanguinis (ATCC 15300). In this assay, the following experimental groups were utilized: the cement containing ZnO, Ca(OH)2 and copaiba oil-resin (G1) and each one of the constituents individually, ZnO (G2), Ca(OH)2 (G3) and copaiba oil-resin (G4). All the analyzed groups showed antibacterial activity, G4 showed the best results and G1 showed itself to be a promising cement for application in dentristy.

A utilização de plantas com objetivos medicinais é bastante difundida em todo o mundo. No Brasil, são raras as pesquisas que avaliem o grau de utilização das plantas como medicamentos e sua inserção na cultura popular. A análise de 1.320 formulários preenchidos pela população do interior do estado do Rio de Janeiro e por profissionais da área de saúde permitiu verificar que as plantas medicinais são as principais formas de tratamento para 63% dos entrevistados, apesar da disponibilidade de medicamentos alopáticos. Foi observada a utilização de plantas como automedicação antes da consulta ao médico, concomitante com o medicamento alopático (55,9%) e, em muitos casos, substituindo-o (52,4%), sem o conhecimento do médico. A pesquisa mostrou ainda a falta de conhecimento dos profissionais da área de saúde sobre a cultura de utilização das plantas medicinais pela população, preferindo terapias alternativas que não fazem parte da cultura popular brasileira, como a acupuntura.

All over the world plants have been used for medicinal purposes. In Brazil, there is no statistical research showing cultural and popular aspects for using medicinal plants. Intoxication, interactions with last generation allopathic and loss of knowledge of using plants are critical aspects of self-medication. The results obtained from 1.320 questionnaires, filled up at Rio de Janeiro State and by health professionals allowed us to check that medicinal plants are the main health treatment (for 63.0%), in spite of the availability of allopathic. It is used before consulting a doctor and concomitant with allopathic (55.9%), sometimes replacing it (52.4%). The results of this research show a lack of information from health professionals to cultural utilization of medicinal plants by the population, preferring alternative therapies that are not part of the Brazilian popular culture, such as acupuncture.